Belize Barrier Reef - Coral Reef in Belize Belize Barrier Reef Xunantunich Share The clear and warm waters off the coast of Belize , and the mainland streams and rivers that feed into it, help to form the perfect marine environment worthy of sustaining a coral reef. And sustain a coral reef the Belize waters most certainly do. The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest barrier reef in the world, with only the Great Barrier Reef of Australia topping it in size. It's impressive to consider that this renowned Belize coral reef extends for more than 180 miles, and since it's never more than 25 miles from the Belize coast, it's extremely easy for tourists to access. In fact, the Belize coral reef might just be the country's top tourist attraction. Not only does it make for excellent diving and snorkeling, but it's also a wonderful fishing destination. Should you be headed to Central America to enjoy a Belize vacation , you'll have plenty of options to arrange tours to what Charles Darwin labeled as, "the most remarkable reef in the West Indies". That was way back in 1842, and the Belize Barrier Reef continues to impress visitors of all kinds to this day.

The Belize reef that visitors so enjoy is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which extends from Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula on down to the waters off of Guatemala . It is a magnet to an array of marine life, with over 100 different species of hard and soft coral, some 500 species of fish, and various invertebrate species making it their home. The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System has gone to great lengths to protect the treasured Belize reef portion of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, and there are no less than seven marine reserves that they have created to help do so. Hundreds of cayes lie between the reef and the Belize coast, and they owe their existence to reef itself. It helps to form a barrier to rougher seas to the east that would otherwise devastatingly erode the shores of these cayes. Though most of the Belize cayes are uninhabited, there are some that have been transformed into top Belize destinations. Ambergris Caye is just one of them, and partly because of its close proximity to the Belize reef, it has become Belize's top overall tourist destination.

The Ambergris Caye resorts offer tours or tour connections for the reef, which is only about a half-mile away. Ambergris Caye isn't the only place from which to enjoy excursions that involve the Belize Barrier Reef. Caye Caulker , Tobacco Caye, and South Water Caye are just a few other cayes where you can book such excursions. Should you be on the mainland, it's also easy to hook up with tours to the reef. Should you be enjoying the top Belize beaches in Placencia , for example, you'll easily be able to arrange Belize reef sailing , diving, and fishing trips. Snorkeling and scuba diving are the best way to see and explore the Belize coral reef, and serious divers in Belize will also recommend heading past the reef to also dive the Belize Glovers Reef. The Lighthouse Reef Belize diving experience is also as good as it gets, as it is here where you can dive the famous Blue Hole . The famed French diver and scientist, Jacques Cousteau, placed the Blue Hole among his top ten favorite dive sites. Back at the main reef, scuba divers of all levels will be treated to the kind of diving that fills curious hours on end.

Off of Ambergris Caye, the Belize reef is a solid coral-laden wall that is only broken by a series of channels. These channels are extremely interesting to dive, offering up a replete array of tropical corals of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Excellent fishing can also be enjoyed at the Belize Barrier Reef, and should you head east where the water quickly gets much deeper, you can attempt to nab some kingfish, sailfish, or marlin, among other species. Belize Map The ecosystem of the Belize coral reef is simply amazing. Blue-green algae gives off oxygen that helps to sustain polyps, which in turn give off carbon dioxide that the algae then needs. Solar energy and the organic plant and animal material that flows in from the mainland streams and rivers helps the Belize coral reef to survive. It's certainly understandable that people flock here, as the Belize reef offers enjoyable pursuits that you probably can't enjoy back home. Bring an underwater camera if you plan to snorkel or dive the Belize Barrier Reef, as the exceptionally clear waters that surround it afford some excellent underwater photography shots. Travel Resources Top tourist attractions in Belize Images Top tourist attractions in Belize Here is a list of top tourist attractions in Belize.

Only the topmost tourist destinations are presented here. To see other destinations, please check the images from Belize section. Curious if any of these place from Belize made it our best tourist attractions in the world list? Read the aformentioned article in order to find out. You can also view all tourist attractions in Belize and other countries on our tourist attractions map . Caracol Tourist attraction Caracol is the name given to a large ancient Maya archaeological site, located in what is now the Cayo District of Belize. It is situated approximately 40 kilometres south of Xunantunich and the town of San Ignacio Cayo, and 15 kilometers away from the Macal River. It rests on the Vaca Plateau at an elevation of 500 meters above sea-level, in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. Long thought to be a tertiary center, it is now known that the site was one of the most important regional political centers of the Maya Lowlands during the Classic Period. Caracol covered approximately 200 square kilometers, covering an area much larger than present-day Belize City and supported more than twice the modern city's population.

Belize Barrier Reef Protected Site The Belize Barrier Reef is a series of coral reefs straddling the coast of Belize, roughly 300 meters offshore in the north and 40 kilometers in the south within the country limits. The Belize Barrier Reef is a 300 kilometers long section of the 900 kilometers long Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is continuous from Cancún on the northeast tip of the Yucatán Peninsula through the Riviera Maya up to Honduras making it one of the largest coral reef systems in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the New Caledonia Barrier Reef. It is Belize's top tourist destination, popular for scuba diving and snorkeling and attracting almost half of its 260,000 visitors, and is vital to its fishing industry. Charles Darwin described it as "the most remarkable reef in the West Indies" in 1842. Caye Caulker Geographical Feature Caye Caulker is a small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea measuring about 5 miles by less than 1 mile. The town on the island is known by the name Caye Caulker Village.

Some have said the island's name is derived from the practice of caulking or sealing the seams in wooden boats to make them watertight, due to the high number of shipwrights on the island. "Caye Corker", the alternative spelling of the name used by British cartographers, has largely fallen into disuse. This was a phonetic spelling which in older English was pronounced the same. It is now generally agreed that the name was derived at a much earlier date from the Spanish name for the island "Cayo Hicaco". This refers to the Hicaco plum which grows wild on the island and was gathered by Spanish seafarers to combat scurvy. Caye Caulker is located approximately 20 miles north-northeast of Belize City, and is accessible by high-speed water taxi or small plane. In recent years the island has become a popular destination for backpackers and other tourists. There are over 30 tiny hotels, and a number of restaurants and shops. Xunantunich Tourist attraction Xunantunich is an Ancient Mayan archaeological site in western Belize, about 80 miles west of Belize City, in the Cayo District.

Xunantunich is located atop a ridge above the Mopan River, well within sight of the Guatemala border – which is a mere 1 kilometre to the west. It served as a Maya civic ceremonial center in the Late and Terminal Classic periods to the Belize Valley region. At this time, when the region was at its peak, nearly 200,000 people lived in Belize. Xunantunich’s name means "Stone Woman" in the Maya language, and, like many names given to Maya archaeological sites, is a modern name; the ancient name is currently unknown. The "Stone Woman" refers to the ghost of a woman claimed by several people to inhabit the site, beginning in 1892. She is dressed completely in white, and has fire-red glowing eyes. She generally appears in front of "El Castillo", ascends the stone stairs, and disappears into a stone wall. The first modern explorations of the site were conducted by Thomas Gann in the mid-1890s. Gann moved from Britain and served as the district surgeon and district commissioner of Cayo, Belize starting in 1892.

He chose this area to settle in because he had an interest in Mayan archaeology, and he wished to be able to explore the unknown wonders of the indigenous people. Gann’s successor, Sir J. Eric S. Thompson, implemented a more methodical approach, and was able to establish the region’s first ceramic chronology. The main recent archaeological teams to work at Xunantunich and the surrounding region are the Xunantunich Archaeological Project and the Xunantunich Settlement Survey. Lamanai Tourist attraction Lamanai is a Mesoamerican archaeological site, and was once a considerably sized city of the Maya civilization, located in the north of Belize, in Orange Walk District. The site's name is pre-Columbian, recorded by early Spanish missionaries, and documented over a millennium earlier in Maya inscriptions as Lam'an'ain. Actun Tunichil Muknal Tourist attraction Actun Tunichil Muknal, also known locally as “Xibalba” or ATM, is a cave in Belize, near San Ignacio, Cayo District, notable as a Maya archaeological site that includes skeletons, ceramics, and stoneware. There are several areas of skeletal remains in the main chamber.

The best-known is "The Crystal Maiden", the skeleton of a teenage girl, possibly a sacrifice victim, whose bones have been calcified to a sparkling, crystallized appearance. The ceramics at the site are significant partly because they are marked with "kill holes", which indicates they were used for ceremonial purposes. Many of the Mayan artifacts and remains are completely calcified to the cave floor. One artifact named the “Monkey Pot” is one of just four found in Central America. The Mayans also modified cave formations here, in some instances to create altars for the offerings, in others to create silhouettes of faces and animals, or to project a shadow image into the cave. The cave is extensively decorated with cave formations in the upper passages. Animal life in the cave includes a large population of bats, large freshwater crabs, crayfish, catfish and other tropical fish. Large invertebrates like Amblypygi and various predatory spiders also inhabit the cave. Agouti and otters may also use the cave. These and many other species are quite common in river caves of this size in Belize.

Belize Zoo Zoo The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center is a zoo in Belize, located some 29 miles west of Belize City on the Western Highway. Set in 29 acres, the zoo was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola. It is home to more than 125 animals of about 48 species, all native to Belize. The natural environment of Belize is left entirely intact within the zoo. The dense, natural vegetation is separated only by gravel trails through the forest. The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center receives almost 15,000 school children every year. The Belize Zoo focuses on educating visitors about the wildlife of Belize through encountering the animals in their natural habitat. The aim is to instill appreciation and pride, and a desire to protect and conserve Belize's natural resources. The Zoo was the recipient of Belize Tourism Board's 9th National Tourism Award, "Educational Award of the Year" in 2009. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary Tourist attraction The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature reserve in south-central Belize established to protect the forests, fauna and watersheds of an approximately 400 square kilometre area of the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains.

The reserve was founded in 1990 as the first wilderness sanctuary for the jaguar and is regarded by one author as the premier site for jaguar preservation in the world. The site consists of two distinct adjacent watersheds and is accessible via a low intensity trail system to accommodate visitors and research environmental scientists. The Maya Mountains and foothills are among the oldest surface rock formations of Central America; these Paleozoic sediments were uplifted about 200 million years ago in the later part of the Carboniferous period and the early Permian period. The principal uplifted rock formations in the Sanctuary are quartzite and sandstone. The name Cockscomb derives from the appearance of the Cockscomb Mountains ridge that resembles a rooster's comb, which ridge is situated at the northern fringe of the reserve and which is easily visible from the coastal plain of the Caribbean Sea. Habitation by the ancient Mayas occurred in the Cockscomb Basin as early as 10,000 BC, but the first modern recorded history exploration of the basin did not occur until 1988. Principal plant communities are pine forest, elfin scrub, tropical moist broadleaf forest, shelter valley forest and floodplain thicket.

Cuello Tourist attraction Cuello is a Maya archaeological site in northern Belize. The site is that of a farming village with a long occupational history stretching back to approximately between 2600 to 1200 BC, during the Middle Preclassic period. Its inhabitants lived in pole-and-thatch houses that were built on top of low plaster-coated platforms. The site contains residential groups clustered around central patios. It also features the remains of a steam bath dating to approximately 900 BC, making it the oldest steam bath found to date in the Maya lowlands. Human burials have been associated with the residential structures; the oldest have no surviving burial relics, but from 900 BC onwards, they were accompanied by offerings of ceramic vessels. Ceramics from the earliest phase of the settlement at Cuello belonged to an established lowland Maya pottery tradition, suggesting that the region was already settled by the Maya when the site was founded.

Although Cuello appears to have been a typical, relatively unimportant rural village in the Preclassic era, it participated in regional trade networks with obsidian being imported from the Maya highlands from 800 BC onwards, and a small amount of jade arriving in the community a few centuries later. World Countries Ambergris Caye - Information On This Top Tourist Attraction Ambergris Caye Ambergris Caye A walk down the main beach area on San Pedro, Ambergris Caye Ambergris Caye is the largest of the 200-plus cayes (islands) located off the Belize coast. Only half a mile from the Barrier Reef, the island is a top destination for scuba divers and snorkelers. The island offers a wide variety of water-oriented activities – swimming, fishing, sailing, windsurfing, and jet-skiing – as well as nature hiking, bird-watching, bicycling and even a small Maya ruin site on the island. A recent issue of Islands Magazine featured a list of the Top 10 islands across the world that are most desirable to call home.

Here is a snippet of why Ambergris Caye made the list: “The budget-friendly properties available a few flip-flop steps away from the beach, an exuberant expat community and the vibrant streets of San Pedro earned this Central American island a place on our list. It’s pretty easy to move here, too, since immigration policies are friendly, the locals speak English and it takes about two hours to reach Belize from Florida. Once there, life on Ambergris Caye entails lazing the days away on star-white beaches, spending afternoons snorkeling the world’s second-largest barrier reef and enjoying nights at beachfront barbecues with newfound friends.” Accommodations and restaurants are available for all budget levels but tend to be on the high end. Ambergris Caye receives cooling trade winds most of the year, which keeps the temperature down. The island is twenty-five miles long; its width ranges from a few hundred feet to over four miles. Northern Ambergris Caye is separated from the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula by a small channel. Ambergris Caye’s biggest tourist draw is the Barrier Reef that runs parallel along the entire coast.

The reef is a mere quarter mile from the beach making snorkeling and diving easily accessible. The island’s seaside is a charming collection of piers and dive shops that offer tours to the different dive sites, the outer islands, and of course to the Great Blue Hole. Certified scuba lessons in NAUI, PADI, and SSI are widely available. One of the most popular dive sites is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve – a ten-minute boat ride from town. The reef’s beauty and richness has made Belize a world-class SCUBA and snorkeling destination. English and Scottish Pirates What most everyone comes to Ambergris Caye for, the Belize Barrier Reef. Ambergris Caye was a favorite hiding place of English pirates during the 17th century. In the mid-18th century, refugees fleeing civil war in the Yucatan Peninsula migrated to Ambergris Caye. The primary economic activities were fishing and coconut production. In the early 20th century, the fishermen of Ambergris established cooperatives and San Pedro became a prosperous fishing community. Tourists began visiting Ambergris in small numbers in the early 1960’s and began growing rapidly in the 1980’s.

A recent editor from U.S. Boat Magazine describes Ambergris Caye thus: “A week gives you enough time to get in some wonderful sailing, but if you can stretch it to ten days to three weeks, you’ll have a chance to see the interior of of the country as well. You should begin your trip by flying into Belize City and then hopping on a small plane to Ambergris Cay, to pick up your boat. The flight to Ambergris Cay alone is reason enough to visit Belize, as you gaze far below at the many-colored reef and three of only four coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere – Turneffe Islands and Lighthouse and Glovers Reef.” Ambergris Caye – The Town San Pedro Town, located in the south of Ambergris Caye, is about a mile long and only a few blocks wide. Some streets are still made of sand which is great for walking around barefoot and bad for motor vehicles. The main street Pescador Drive is concrete faux-cobblestone. Ambergris Caye water front and piers. There are few cars; instead, the vehicles of choice (besides feet and bikes) are golf carts, which are available for rent.

San Pedro is a laid-back town, and most of the activity happens near the waterfront. San Pedro Town is clustered with wooden houses, some with English Colonial or Spanish architecture, others Caribbean style. Gift shops, boutiques, bars, cafes, and restaurants abound on Barrier Reef Drive and Pescador Drive – the two main avenues in the town. A short walk in town and you’ll experience the warmth of the San Pedranos and witness the ease of their island lifestyle as they go through daily life. Barefoot, tee-shirts, and shorts are standard island dress code. There are many restaurants specializing in fresh seafood (lobster and conch are plentiful and inexpensive when in season) and the Belizean national dish (spicy stewed chicken, served with a delicious rice and bean combination cooked in coconut milk.) Mexican, Italian, and Chinese food are also available, as well as pizza. The best bargains in town are the freshly made tacos, burritos and rice and beans sold by street vendors in the evenings, and the Lions Club steak and chicken barbecue held every Friday and Saturday night. San Pedro, Ambergris Caye town has lots of bars and three full-fledged nightclubs for dancing off your feet.

Musicians from the mainland are brought to San Pedro for Saturday night beach parties, where everyone is invited; no-host bars are set up on the beach for these events. Several important fiestas are held in San Pedro each year; the biggest one is the Costa Maya Festival, a six-day event that showcases a different Central American country every night. Ambergris Caye has a great social scene – some say too much. Getting To Ambergris Caye You can get to Ambergris Caye via water or air. Puddle jumpers (small aircraft) depart the Belize International Airport and the Belize City Municipal Airstrip every hour to Ambergris Caye. The trip is about 20 to 30 minutes depending on equipment. There is also air service from Corozal Town, The City of Belmopan and Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye’s poor cousin. The flight costs U.S. $135. return depending on what deal your travel agent can arrange. Water taxis are easily available from downtown Belize city. Typical round trip cost is U.S. $27.50 from Belize city, and U.S. $45. from Corozal Town.

Shops on Ambergris Caye main street, Pescador Drive. Things To Do On Ambergris Caye If water is your goal, then Ambergris is the place. Jump in. The reef opens a hatch to a fascinating world below. Stand on any eastern pier at dawn and listen to the surf break over the reef. Look closely for staghorn and elkhorn corals piercing the surface. Three quarters of Belize visitors snorkel the reef and another quarter fish — two activities that kids can enjoy too. Kids on the beach at Ambergris Caye Popular Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a five-square-mile underwater park, just four miles and 15 minutes south of San Pedro, where the snorkeling and diving are fabulous. With gentle rays gliding under the boat, jump into this giant natural aquarium full of vibrant parrot fish, royal fairy basslets, groupers, snappers, barracudas, even moray eels. In shallows of just 10-35 feet, visitors admire delicate sea fans, iridescent sponges, and thick brain, staghorn, and star corals, all glowing with color.

Attentive guides point out the varied marine life and offer helpful hints on how to defog a mask and find the best views. Pay attention to guides when they warn never to touch, bump, or stand on corals. One careless contact can damage their delicate ecosystem, even injure the swimmer. Stay far enough away to avoid accidents. Usually combined with Hol Chan, Shark Ray Alley thrills even the most experienced snorkelers. Swim with nurse sharks and rays in water just 6-8 feet. Feel the smooth skin of their powerful bodies — an experience not soon forgotten. Horse-eyed jacks, blue tangs, gray snappers, and trigger fishes gather here as well. Mexico Rocks, a beautiful area 15 minutes north of San Pedro, features excellent visibility and shallow water. Inhabitants include horse-eye jacks, Nassau groupers, lobsters, barracudas, sand sharks, and spider crabs. Watch tiny tropical fish with blue neon spots dart between the branches of coral colonies. At Tres Cocos, on the same tour, rich orange elkhorn corals vibrate with coral polyps building their colonies. Swallow Caye provides habitat for the West Indian manatee.

Some tours combine manatee watching with snorkeling at Goff’s Caye and Coral Gardens. A half-day of snorkeling averages US$40 with equipment. Morning is best for viewing marine life. A dozen boats, run by professional tour operators, lead giddy divers through wondrous mountains of coral. Walls, grottos, and canyons teem with alien life. From Ambergris Caye, reach stunning underwater landscapes in as little as seven minutes. Dive one great site in the morning; return for lunch; then take off again in the afternoon or evening. Excursions to the outer cayes include the celebrated Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, and Turneffe Islands Atoll. Check out the Aquarium dive site on Long Caye. Hol Chan makes a great spot for dive instruction because of the shallow water. Many resorts offer their own operators and packages. Rent a kayak, parasail, sailboat, sail-board, or jet ski. Enthusiasts who prefer to stay dry can witness the undersea panorama on a glass-bottom boat ride. Or take a sailing excursion to nearby Caye Caulker. Tour boats leave in the morning, stop for snorkeling along the way, and return in the afternoon.

Water taxis also allow easy day trips. By chartering a boat, adventurers can explore coasts and outer cayes on their own schedules. Optional captains, crews, and provisions can be arranged. Downtown map of San Pedro Ambergris Caye provided by golf cart rental company. Ambergris Caye has a very active social and party scene. Weekends of course are for partying but residents organize various activities to keep the social scene busy. Charity and fundraising events for worthy causes are common during the week. Annual events include the Costa Maya Festival, Carnival – nothing much compared to the Belize City or Orange Walk Carnivals but still fun- and the requisite annual Lobster Fest that most all tourist spots now run. Article Updated 8 September 2016 Related Articles: 10 Top Tourist Attractions in Belize – Touropia Travel Experts wikipedia/ Michael Schamis Set in natural forest, 31 miles from Belize City, the Belize Zoo is one of the finest zoos in the Americas. Many of the animals in Belize Zoo are wild animals that were kept as pets by individual collectors and the zoo tries to recondition such animals for a return to the wild.

It enables visitors to see the native animals of Belize at close quarters, housed in spacious enclosures that closely resemble their natural habitats. Unless you’re a seasoned wildlife photographer, this is likely to be the best place to get excellent photographs of the animals of Belize. 9Actun Tunichil Muknal flickr/ Antti T. Nissinen Actun Tunichil Muknal is a cave in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve near San Ignacio. The cave was discovered in 1992, and was subsequently featured on the National Geographic Explorer film, “Journey Through the Underworld”. A sacred site for the Mayans, the cave contains many examples of pottery, ceramics and stoneware, as well as several sets of human sacrificial remains, one of which (known as the “Crystal Maiden”) has been almost entirely covered in limestone crystals by the natural processes of the cave. 8Xunantunich The Maya ruins of Xunantunich are located atop a ridge above the Mopan River near San Ignacio, within sight of the Guatemala border. Most of the structures date from about 200 to 900 BC.

Xunantunich consists of a series of six plazas surrounded by more than 26 temples and palaces. At 40 meters (130 ft) the pyramid known as “El Castillo” is the tallest structure in Xunantunich and the second tallest structure in Belize, after the temple at Caracol. 7Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary wikipedia/ Pgbk87 The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the biggest, protected destinations in Belize. The reserve was founded in 1990 as the first wilderness sanctuary for the jaguar. Although roughly 60 of Belize’s 700 jaguars are believed to live in the sanctuary, your chances of seeing one are very slim. However, it’s an ideal environment for plant-spotting, bird viewing or seeking out other wildlife, and the trail system is the best developed in any of Belize’s protected areas. 6San Pedro Town flickr/ SoulBlend Ambergris Caye is the largest of several hundred islands in the northernmost waters of Belize. The island is the top tourist destination in Belize, and its lack of high-rise hotels or big city traffic gives the island a relaxed, laid-back feel.

Most people get around Ambergris Caye by simply walking. There’s a great deal of quality hotels in town, and many resorts on the island are less than a mile from the town of San Pedro, the only urbanized area on the island. Many travelers enjoy renting golf carts, which are the dominant form of transportation, next to bicycles. Where to Stay in San Pedro Town 5Lamanai Located in northern Belize, Lamanai was once a considerably sized Maya city. The ancient ruins are not completely uncovered yet. Archaeological work has concentrated on the investigation and restoration of the larger structures such as the High Temple, a 33 meter tall temple. Since it was still occupied by the Maya when the Spanish arrived, Lamanai, which in Maya means “submerged crocodile”, is one of the few Mayan sites to retain its traditional name. 4Placencia flickr/ Walter Rodriguez A popular peninsula in southern Belize, Placencia has the best mainland beaches, plus some of the most amazing offshore coral cayes. The eastern side of the Placencia Peninsula is a long expanse of white sand beach. The western side is bounded by a long and narrow bay.

The beautiful beaches together with the abundant, inexpensive accommodation, make it a great place to relax and one of the attractions in Belize. flickr/ Dennis Jarvis Siting high on the Vaca Plateau, 500 meters (1650 ft) above sea level, Caracol is the largest Maya site in Belize. It was once one of the largest ancient Maya cities, covering some 168 square kilometers (65 mi²). At its peak around 650 AD it had an estimated population of about 150,000, more than twice as many people as Belize City has today. The largest pyramid in Caracol is Canaa (Sky Place), at 43 meters (143 ft) it is still the tallest man-made structure in all of Belize. 2Caye Caulker Caye Caulker is a small coral island in the Caribbean Sea and is accessible by high-speed water taxi or small plane. In recent years the island has become a popular Belize attraction for backpackers and other tourists for its (relatively) cheap prices, laid-back vibe, and abundance of restaurants and bars. The main mode of transport on Caye Caulker is simply walking.

The paths are well defined, and crossing the island takes about 20 minutes. Bicycles and golf carts can also be rented. The Top Best Places to Visit in Belize | The Huffington Post The Top Best Places to Visit in Belize 12/06/2013 10:27 am ET | Updated Feb 05, 2014 100 Larry Waight Belizean Blogger and Internet Entrepreneur Belize has become one of the top travel destinations in the world because of its spectacular and intriguing attractions like the Great Barrier Reef, gigantic blue hole, white sandy beaches, numerous cayes and islands, pristine rainforests and jungles, abundant wildlife, eclectic and colorful cultures, and laid-back atmosphere. From scuba diving its warm and turquoise Caribbean waters to hiking an ancient Maya city, Belize has something for everyone. If you are looking to escape to a cozy and sunny destination that offers a potpourri of adventure and fun filled activities this winter, then you might want to consider Belize. From north to south and east to west, here are the top best places to visit in Belize .

San Ignacio Town Photo credit: Gaby Silva San Ignacio Town is the main town in the Cayo District of western Belize and is an ideal base to explore ancient Maya cities like Caracol and Xunantunich, ceremonial caves like Barton Creek and Actun Tunichil Muknal, and cascading water falls like Rio on Pools and Big Rock waterfalls in the Mountain Pine Ridge Nature Reserve. Hiking, kayaking, bird watching and horseback riding are also top rated outdoor activities in the area. San Ignacio is also an important en route to and from Guatemala since it is one of the last towns in Belize before entering Guatemala where many travelers go to visit Tikal - one of the largest archaeological site in the country. Caye Caulker Caye Caulker is a small and beautiful island off the coast of Belize and is an ideal base for snorkeling and diving adventures. Its white sandy beaches, cool breezes, fresh seafood, turquoise Caribbean waters and a magnificent barrier reef at its doorstep are top reasons why you have to visit this island.

Placencia Photo credit: Gaby Silva Located in the Stann Creek District, Placencia is a long, narrow and sandy peninsula along Belize' Caribbean coastline and offers a laid-back ambience with various accommodations, and the best restaurants in Southern Belize. It is a perfect destination for scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and fly-fishing. And during the full moons of May and June, you can go on a whale shark expedition at the Gladden Spit Reserve where the gentle giant whale sharks come to span. Inland tours like Monkey River and the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve can also be explored from Placencia. Ambergris Caye Photo credit: Gaby Silva Ambergris Caye is the largest and most popular island in the northern waters of Belize and measures 25 miles long and 5 miles across. It is located just 35 miles northeast of Belize City and can be reached on a 10-minute plane ride or an hour and half boat ride. The great Belize Barrier Reef lies on the east side of Ambergris Caye and it is the island's biggest tourist attraction since it is only a quarter mile from the beach.

Scuba diving, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, or sail boating to other islands or cayes are just a few reasons why you have to visit and just today, Trip Advisor named Ambergris Caye as a Travelers' Choice Destination on the rise. Hopkins Hopkins is a tranquil Garifuna village on the coast of Stann Creek District and is considered by many Belizeans as the cultural center of the Garifuna population in Belize. Some of the major activities to do in the area are snorkeling, scuba diving, Garifuna drumming and singing and even Garifuna cooking. For travelers looking to experience a colorful and unique culture with a fascinating history, Hopkins is the destination to visit. South Water Caye Photo credit: Gaby Silva South Water Caye is a lovely and underrated Caye and is perched on top of the great Belize barrier reef. It is located only 10 miles off the coast of Dangriga and Hopkins in southern Belize.

The size of South Water Caye is just 15 acres and is part of Belize's world heritage site which has been zoned to protect fishing nurseries and unique marine habitants; however the Caye is a perfect base for snorkeling, fishing, diving and educational activities. Dangriga Photo credit: Gaby Silva Dangriga is the largest town in Stann Creek District in Southern Belize and is considered a major capital of the Garifuna people. The name "Dangriga" is derived from a Garifuna word meaning 'sweet water' and the town is also the birthplace of punta rock -- a fusion of acoustic Garifuna and electric instruments. While vacationing in Dangriga, you can visit the Gulisi Garifuna Museum that highlights the culture and history of the Garifuna people or the Pen Cayetano Gallery, which showcases the artwork of Pen Cayetano. Other stops of cultural interest include the Drums of my Father Monument, the National Garifuna Council headquarters, and the Thomas Vincent Ramos Monument.

Punta Gorda Photo credit: Gaby Silva Locally known as P.G, Punta Gorda is the southernmost town in Belize and is also the capital of the Toledo District. The population is comprised of around six thousand people and consists of Garifuna, Maya, East Indians, Creoles and some Lebanese and Chinese. The Town is an ideal base to explore the stunning and unspoiled beauty of Toledo District. Pristine rainforests and jungles, offshore cayes, coastal lowlands and an extensive network of caves are just a few of the top attractions in the area. Sarteneja Photo credit: Gaby Silva Located on the Shipstern Peninsula in the Corozal District, Sarteneja is a quaint and picturesque Mestizo and Creole community that sits on a unique and tropical bay setting at the North Eastern Sea point of Belize. Sarteneja is derived from the Yucatec Maya "Tzaten-a-Ha" which is thought to translate as "water in the rock". Two of the town's main industries are lobster fishing and pineapple farming however in recent years tourism has increasingly become significant as a source of income.

The Shipstern Wildlife Reserve is one of the top attractions in the area and is comprised of 31 square miles of tropical forest. The reserve is owned and operated by a non governmental organization and is habitat to a wide array of flora and fauna. Follow Larry Waight on Twitter: More: Chef's a long way from Onset - Lifestyle* - southcoasttoday.com - New Bedford, MA Chef's a long way from Onset Wednesday Apr 17, 1996 at 12:01 AM Jan 10, 2011 at 3:21 PM Brad Hathaway, Standard-Times correspondent SOUTH WATER CAYE, Belize -- It's a long way from the beach at Shell Point in Onset, Mass., to the cayes of Belize but that's the giant step Sean Beaton has taken. The 31-year-old, curly-haired chef is making a name for himself among the burgeoning flock of tourists who are finding some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world along Belize's 150-mile long Great Western Barrier Reef. Mr.

Beaton arrived in Belize in October 1994 "to expand his culinary skills on his own." He had been offered a head chef position at Manta Resort on Glover's Reef Atoll, another Caribbean tourist attraction to the east of South Water Caye, and spent one season there. Word of his culinary prowess obviously had spread, for he was soon lured to Blue Marlin Lodge on South Water Caye which, he said, "made an offer I couldn't refuse." He began there last November, and since then has been dishing up the finest fare for visitors to the lodge. Although brought up in the town of Abington, Mass., where he graduated from high school, Mr. Beaton's ties to Wareham are as strong as his current bond to Belize. He is the grandson of the late Colin Francis and Florence Beaton, who were proprietors of the Hotel Onset. As a youth, he spent most of his summers on Onset Ocean Avenue and he did his "beaching" at Shell Point. After leaving high school, he served as an apprentice to Ray Fucello, former assistant executive chef for the Ritz Carlton, Boston, and now operator of Not Just Seafood in Rockland.

Then he went off on his own. He had his own catering operation in Abington and then served as sous chef for Plymouth Bay Catering of Kingston, owned by his brother, Mark. "This was fine dining catering at its best," he explained. From there he went to work with Chef Jimmy Burke, who operates several restaurants in the Boston area. He stayed on that job for about a year, then went to Belize. The Central American country, formerly British Honduras, is wedged between southeast Mexico and northern Guatemala on the western shore of the Caribbean Sea. Its barrier reef is the second longest in the world, runner-up to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Mr. Beaton's day begins before sunrise at this time of year as he prepares three meals a day for visitors to the resort. The number of guests ranges between 2 and 30. Sometimes he cooks for passing yachtsmen who stop for a meal ashore. He gets some help from the lodge staff. With a French and Italian cooking background, he says, a lot of his preparations focus on just that, mixed with American and Belizean fare. "It's called fusion cuisine," he said.

"I'm learning Belizean cuisine by watching some of the locals prepare certain dishes," he was quick to add. Breakfast is served from 7 to 9 a.m., lunch at noon, hors d'oeuvres in the late afternoon and dinner at 7. Guests eat family style. While most breakfasts offer standard American fare -- eggs any style, pancakes, French toast, ham -- occasionally a local item is featured. "Like fried jacks or johnnycake," he interjected, "similar to a buttermilk biscuit but made with coconut." South Water Caye lies about 14 miles east-southeast of Dangriga on the mid-coast of Belize. The Dangriga District is the citrus belt for the tiny country, and every day, all day fresh-squeezed orange juice or pineapple juice, mango, papaya, limes and lemons are available for guests. At Blue Marlin Lodge, which shares South Water Caye with only a handful of other property owners (one can walk around the entire island in less than 10 minutes), light lunches are the order of the day as a convenience for the scuba divers.

"They go out morning, afternoon and some evenings and have to breathe compressed air," Mr. Beaton said. "If they eat gassy foods they tend to belch underwater, which is not a pleasant sensation." So lunches are light. Homemade soups or sandwiches or ming chicken crepes with beurre blanc sauce, pasta marinara, conch soup, burritos or maybe a hamburger. "Dinner is reserved for fine dining," he said. And fine dining it is. An entree might be a New England chowder, Caribbean style, made with grouper or snapper, lobster or shrimp. The "secret ingredients" are fresh-squeezed lime juice and coconut milk. A dinner of champagne herb-garlic grouper served with stuffed onion and curried mashed potato follows. The soft-textured potatoes are Belizean grown and a delight to the taste buds. The meal is served with creole bread, made with coconut milk. The dessert is a delicious coconut pie, made with coconuts dropped form the trees on the tiny sand caye which sits atop the reef making it a convenient starting place for both snorkelers and divers. "I always plan to have something different for guests every day while they are here," Mr. Beaton said.

"When something is exceedingly popular, I might serve it a second time during their stay." Mr. Beaton's contract with Blue Marlin Lodge continues until the end of August, with most visitors arriving between February and early June. His schedule calls for 5 to 6 weeks on and a week off. Between meals he finds a little time for diving, fishing or reading. On his week off, he'll go back to the mainland where he is having a bamboo, thatch-roofed house built at Gales Point, Manatee, on the coast about 18 miles north of Dangriga. His days as a boy in Onset are only memories now. Although he still has relatives in the Wareham area, he plans to stay in Belize indefinitely. "The people here are an important reason for my staying," he said. "And Belize has its mountains, seacoast, offshore islands just like Massachusetts. But it has warm weather year-round." Photo by Bradford Hathaway Chef Sean Beaton raises a toast outside the Blue Marlin Lodge on South Water Caye, Belize.

The small, Central American country is a long way from Onset, but he says it "has its mountains, seacoast, offshore islands just like Massachusetts." About Us Facts about Belize | TravelBelize.org Facts about Belize Find out everything from currency to culture here in Belize. Currency Belize currency exchange is extremely easy for American visitors. The Belize dollar is locked at $2 Belize = $1 USD. So it's very easy to see how much something is costing in USD when you go shopping. Most accommodations and tours are listed in US$ prices, and most restaurants, shops, etc. are listed in BZ$. Nearly everyplace readily accepts USD currency. Most also should accept traveler's checks as long as you write your passport number or driver's license number on the back. Large bills (anything above a $20) are a little more difficult to cash. Shopkeepers generally ask you to spend a minimum amount. ATMs are also available across the country, particularly in most tourist destinations- including Placenica,Punta Gorda, Belmopan, Dangriga, Belize City, San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Orange Walk, San Ignacio and Corozal.

Geography Belize is located in Central America and it is bordered to the north by Mexico, to the south and west by Guatemala and to the east by the Caribbean Sea. We are a diverse country with various cultures and languages. We also have the lowest population density in Central America with 35 people per square mile or 14 people per square kilometer. Belize is also known for its extreme biodiversity and distinctive ecosystems. On the coast, there is a swampy coastal plain with mangrove swamps. In the south and interior there are hills and low mountains. Most of our land is undeveloped and is forested with hardwoods. It is a part of the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot and it has many jungles, wildlife reserves, a large variety of different species of flora and fauna and the largest cave system in Central America. Some species of Belize's flora and fauna include the black orchid, the mahogany tree, the toucan and tapirs. History The first people to develop Belize were the Maya around 1500 B.C.E. As shown in archeological records, they established a number of settlements here. These include Caracol, Lamanai and Lubaantun.

The first European contact with Belize occurred in 1502 when Christopher Columbus reached the area's coast. In 1638, the first European settlement was established by England and for 150 years, many more English settlements were set up. In 1840, Belize became a "Colony of British Honduras" and in 1862, it became a crown colony. For one hundred years after that, Belize was a representative government of England but in January 1964, full self government with a ministerial system was granted. In 1973, the region's name was changed from British Honduras to Belize and on September 21, 1981, full independence was achieved. Language Come to Belize and you’ll hear familiar words of the English language. In fact, we are the only English language-speaking country in Central America. While English is the official language of Belize, Kriol is the language that we all speak. When you hear us, you know you’re in a country unlike any other. Even our most up-tight citizens sound relaxed. We have a Caribbean lilt and our words seem a bit shorter.

But don’t worry, you’ll understand everything and we may teach you a few phrases you don’t know. Here, even our language is a diverse adventure. Spanish, African-based Garifuna, Maya-Kekchi, Maya Mopan, Mandarin, German are just a few of the languages that form the unique dialects we speak throughout the country. Here are a few different ways you’ll hear “good morning” “Gud Mawnin” – Kriol “Buenos dias” – Spanish People From the moment you arrive in Belize – whether you are an adventure traveler, part of a family trip or in the country for a relaxing beach vacation – Belize people and culture make you feel as welcome and comfortable, like nowhere you’ve ever visited. In Belize, our traditions and customs are varied and represent more than eight diverse cultures. For generations, the people of Belize have demonstrated a cultural commitment to preserve the country’s unique charms. This enduring promise to the land, the waters and you, our visitor, inspires all to achieve a genuine and intimate connection to a variety of extraordinary experiences. We are truly a melting pot of colorful personalities, making our 321,115 residents the country’s greatest resource for tourism.

The Belizean people are made up of Maya, Mestizo, Kriol, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite, Arab and Chinese. There also are a number of expatriates in Belize from Canada, Europe and the United States – and many of them retire here. A blending of cultures has resulted in one of the happiest and most peaceful countries in the region and a widespread reputation as one of the world’s friendliest tourist destination. In Belize (formerly British Honduras), English remains the official language, but the most diverse language in Belize is Kriol (Belizean Creole). Other languages spoken include Garifuna, Mandarin, Spanish and Maya. Weather One of the nicest things about visiting Belize is the weather. With an average yearly temperature of 84° F (29°C), it’s always warm, yet comfortable. Costal sea breezes as well as our jungle and rainforests keep you cool even in the hottest summer months while winters can be cool but never very cold. In short, the climate is pretty much near perfect.

Even in winter (November-March) the temperature in Belize rarely falls below 60°F (16°C), while the summer (May-September) is around 86°F (30°C). Humidity is also fairly consistent at around 85 percent. Belize’s dry season is between February and May and has significantly lower rainfall than the rest of the year. When it does rain, it is usually in mild, short bursts. June through December is our wet season, when parts of the country receive up to 150 inches of rain and the heavy, sometimes wild storms associated with the Caribbean occur, usually in the late afternoons. The most frequent rainfall usually happens in June or early July and is punctuated by a break in late July or August known as the "little dry." We also have a hurricane season, and while statistically Belize does not attract many major direct hits, it does get its share of severe tropical weather with high winds and rain. However, we have cooperative early warning network that we share with our neighbors. Our safety, evacuation and other procedures have proven to be effective, so no worries. No matter what season you visit, there’s plenty to do and see down here.

Question: A top tourist attraction, a 150 mile long barrier reef, is off the coast of which Central American country?
Answer: Belize